Boks coach calls for vast improvement before Tri-Nations

The Springboks coach Peter de Villiers is demanding a much improved performance from his ahead of the second Test against Italy in South Africa this weekend.

South Africa won last weekend's first Test 29-13, but de Villiers says they need to get back on track with a showing that'll prepare them for the opening Tri Nations Test against the All Blacks in Auckland in two weeks' time.

Captain John Smit is over a hamstring strain and returns to the side, with South Africa having made seven changes from the first Test, although lock Victor Matfield has been rested.

He has been replaced by the tall, mobile Andries Bekker, who is back from injury.

Italy have lost all nine Tests against South Africa, but last weekend was the closest they'd come to matching the World Cup holders, finishing strongly after falling 29-3 behind soon after halftime.